Three remarkable things happened yesterday.

It was clear that the crowd at the war memorial in St Albans was larger than usual – larger in fact than most of us can remember. The same apparently was true in Whitehall.

The crowd spontaneously instituted a new tradition – it applauded those wearing service uniforms and the British Legion as they passed by on parade. Unprecedented and moving.

The second remarkable event was planned: for the first time the religious service was multi-faith – a Rabbi read scripture and an Imam recited verses from the Quran.

This serves to remind us that decent people everywhere deplore war and those that seek war.

The third might not have been noticed by everyone and was again spontaneous. The French market was in full swing yesterday morning alongside the farmers’ market. The lighting required a powerful generator which was located near the war memorial. This was switched off during the two minutes’ silence.

This is perhaps a reminder – should we need it – that we were not alone when we stood up to aggressors. And a reminder in particular that – despite what tabloids and comedians might say when seeking a cheap sneer or cheap laugh – that the French were our allies.